5 Things You Should Do if You Are Arrested and Charged With a Crime

 Posted on April 21, 2023 in Bail Bonds

Getting arrested is never a pleasant experience. Being detained by police officers, handcuffed, placed in a police car, taken to a police station or jail, and booked into custody can be a confusing and stressful situation, and you may not know what to do or where to turn for help. However, it is important to remember that you have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself if you find yourself in this situation. Some of the most crucial considerations will be related to bail and bail bonds, which can help you get out of jail and return to your life as you address the criminal charges against you. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect yourself:

1. Stay calm and remain silent: When you are detained by a police officer following a traffic stop or another situation, it is important to remain calm. Getting angry or struggling in any way could lead the officers to treat you more harshly, and you could end up facing charges for resisting arrest in addition to the original offense that led to the arrest. You should also understand your right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in court, so it is crucial to keep quiet until you have legal representation, even if you believe you are innocent. Make sure you ask to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible, and do not answer any questions from the police or prosecutors without your attorney present.

2. Understand the charges against you: It is essential to have a clear understanding of the reasons you were detained and arrested, the specific crimes you are being charged with, and the potential consequences if you are convicted. Make sure you ask your lawyer to explain everything to you in detail, so you know what you are up against. This information will help you make informed decisions about your case, including whether or not to accept a plea bargain.

3. Determine the amount of bail: Bail is the amount of money you must pay to get out of jail during the course of your criminal case. The judge will set your bail amount based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the alleged crime, your criminal record, and your ties to the community. Once you pay the required amount, you will be able to go free.

4. Contact a bail bondsman: If you cannot afford to pay the full amount of bail, you can contact a bail bond company. You will only need to pay a small amount of the total amount of bail, usually 10 percent. The bail bondsman will post the bail for you. Even if you can afford bail, it may be a good idea to use a bail agent, since this will ensure that bail will be posted correctly and that you will be able to follow all instructions put in place by the judge.

5. Attend all court appearances: After you are released, it is crucial to appear in court when required and comply with any conditions of your release. If you fail to show up for a court date or violate the judge's conditions, you could be returned to jail and required to pay the full amount of bail.

Contact a Dallas Bail Bondsman

If you have been arrested and need to pay bail so you can be released, Doc's Bail Bonds is here to help. We will make the process of posting bail as quick, easy, and affordable as possible, and we offer multiple different payment options. To learn how we can help you get out of jail quickly, contact our McKinney bail agents 24/7 at 214-747-4110.